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I was in the exact same situation last year. Worked part-time retail while collecting unemployment for about 4 months. Just stayed on top of reporting and job searching and everything worked out fine. The extra income really helped during a tough time.
If you do run into any issues or have questions after you start working, definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I've heard good things about it from other people dealing with Washington ESD complications.
Final tip: keep records of everything - when you filed, confirmation numbers, any correspondence from Washington ESD. You'll need this information for reference and it helps if any issues come up later.
I waited 4 days after my layoff because I was embarrassed about filing for unemployment. Wish I had filed immediately - those 4 days of benefits would have helped with groceries. Don't let pride get in the way of getting help you've earned.
Drug testing can also be an issue in some cases. If you're fired for failing a drug test, that's usually considered misconduct. And if you're required to participate in drug testing as part of your job search and refuse, that could disqualify you too.
This is all so overwhelming! I wish Washington ESD was clearer about all these rules upfront instead of people finding out after they get disqualified.
Definitely appeal if you think it's wrong. I got my disqualification overturned after providing more documentation. The appeal process exists for a reason.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. Sounds like the main thing is having wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period and meeting the minimum dollar amounts. Good to know about the alternate base period option too.
Logan Greenburg
Just went through this whole process last month. File your weekly claims starting with week 1 (the waiting week), keep doing job searches, report any income accurately. You'll get paid starting with week 2 if everything goes smoothly. The waiting week never gets paid but it's required for your claim to process correctly.
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Evan Kalinowski
•This is really helpful, thank you. Sounds like I'm on the right track then. Just need to be patient for that first payment.
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Logan Greenburg
•Yep patience is key. The first payment always feels like it takes forever but once you're in the rhythm it's pretty straightforward.
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Charlotte Jones
reminder that if you work ANY hours during your waiting week you still need to report them even though you're not getting paid that week anyway. learned this when I picked up a small gig and wasn't sure if I needed to report it
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Lucas Bey
•Good point! All income reporting rules apply even during the waiting week.
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Evan Kalinowski
•I haven't worked any hours yet but I'll remember this if I pick up any side work while looking for full-time.
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